Families

City scenes and insider information greet guests who visit The Independent Collection’s new in-the-know websites, http://independentcollection.com. The recently relaunched sites are for a select group of hotels located in unique urban neighborhoods along the East Coast, all part of The Independent Collection. The Independent Collection, a growing collection of intimate lifestyle hotels managed by HHM, maps a course of travel for its guests that make the entire experience one to remember.

Occasionally Cake of Old Town Alexandria needs diapers as part of the Northern Virginia Family Service Diaper Drive. Customers can drop off diapers from Sat., May 4 through Mother’s Day, Sun., May 12, and be entered to win a Mommy and Me Cupcake Decorating Class, to be held on Tues., May 14 at 5 p.m. Three winners will be chosen from a raffle drawing. Call (703) 647-9638 or visit www.occasionallycake.com for more information.

The Mommy and Me Cupcake decorating will be taught by owner, Sabrina Campbell, mom of two daughters and soon-to-be son. She will discuss cupcake decorating techniques, creativity and tips for parent and child.

Named this year for Children’s National Medical Center’s Dr. Bear mascot, the “Bear” Bones Tour launches the beginning of designers’ transformation of the new Wesley Heights home

The 2013 DC Design House “Bear” Bones tour last Saturday, February 23, at 2507 Foxhall Road, Washington, DC offered the first look at the spaces before designers begin their work transforming each of the 24 rooms into fabulous places to live.

Each day in America, it is estimated that 160,000 students stay home from school to avoid being bullied. If you take a look at the media headlines in any given week, it’s easy to see that bullying is a growing problem in our schools. The good news is that it is a problem that many teachers can help tackle by creating a bully-free classroom, something that is easier to do than one might think.

“We all know that bullying is a major concern in our schools,” explains Peter J. Goodman, author of the book “We’re All Different But We’re All Kitty Cats.” “But there are things teachers can do to help address this problem and prevent it from happening.”

“Hobie (formerly Brinks) is just a darling. He sits, stays, shakes, and has a perfect ‘down,’ when not distracted, of course! He's learning to ‘fetch the paper’ and to ‘wait’ before charging through a doorway. He's playful, curious, very smart, and just a regular love. He loves big dogs, and now that he has his rabies vaccine, he is going to K9 Divine's farm two days a week, which is heaven for him. We also love exploring the woods behind our house and the Archbold Glover Trail. Hobie is now a part time lawyer and loves going to my husband’s law office.

This weekend long event began on Friday and featured a 24 hour drive at the 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue Starbucks along with WPGC their radio partner. Rapper T.I. made a special appearance along with US Marines to assist with the toy collection.

Allie and Patient Ambassador Sophie Make the Ornaments, Collaborate on Design of Dr. Seuss Tree

Since 2006, the Georgetown Jingle has raised more than 1.5 million for the pediatric oncology programs directed by Dr. Aziz Shad at Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Hosted at the Four Seasons, this year's Jingle includes 17 trees and vignettes that were unveiled on November 28th and designed by the area's top designers. Additional events include the December 16th family fundraiser from 1-4 p.m. followed by Jingle the Night Away with Pamala Live! from 7-11 p.m.